Right now, Indiana is leading the country in cases of Influenza A, the H3N2 Virus.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 138 cases in the state. Ohio is right behind at 107 cases.
Doctors said the flu is almost at its peak in St. Joseph County.
The flu is much worse than the common cold, and you'll know when you have it.
"It's hard hitting, it's fast, you're coughing like crazy, high fever," said Dr. Jesse Hsieh with the South Bend Clinic.
St. Joseph County is dealing with a very bad case of the flu this year. Dr. Hsieh sees it every day.
"We have had our share of positive tests in the past few weeks," he said.
"Once you start to see the positive test we're seeing in a community, within 6 weeks every single person in that community will have been exposed," Dr. Hsieh said.
Doctors say there's still time to get the flu shot. It will kick in within two weeks and it will help. You might still get the flu, but it won't be nearly as bad.
This year, the flu shot consists of: Influenza B, Influenza A - H1N1 and Influenza A - H3N2. Doctors say H3N2 seems to be the most prominent virus in our area right now, and the CDC reports Indiana is leading the country in these cases.
But because H3N2 is in the flu vaccine, people have a better chance at protection.
Doctors can also test it quicker now than ever before, giving them results in seconds, getting you medicine quicker.
"Today, you can do a quick nasal test with a Q-tip swab you do in the nose," he said.
The flu can be treated with medicine, and if you have it, doctors will most likely prescribe medication for your family to prevent them from catching it.
The flu shot is still readily available, and the St. Joseph County Health Department has 100 free flu shots available if your insurance doesn't cover it.
